“I don't care!” Lee pointed to the table. Reluctantly, Jacob walked away.
“Your friend owes us money,” growled a short stocky man, a wine bottle in his hand.
Lee faced the man, his eyes dark and dangerous. “So you say.”
“W-well…” he stammered. He looked to his friends for support, but they recognized Lee as someone not to be trifled with. “Just keep him away from us.”
Lee looked the men over, then pushed his way past them. When he arrived back at the table, Jacob was cursing under his breath, and draining a mug of ale.
“Did you learn anything?” asked Lee. His tone was not angry.
Jacob refused to look up. “Never touch me again.”
“Calm yourself,” said Lee. “I only did that so we wouldn't have to fight those idiots. I have another fight in mind.” He nodded towards the fat merchant. “He's been drinking and boasting all night. It's only a matter of time until someone tries to shut his mouth.” He reached over and took Jacob's mug. “And if you're going to be of use, you need to stop this. Now, what did you learn from the locals?”
Jacob clenched his jaw then gradually relaxed. “All I heard was that there's been a lot of people coming through from the north. Whether they're from Angraal, they didn't say. They also mentioned that winter came early, but that’s nothing new. Other than that, they spent their time trying to switch dice on me.” He pulled his winnings from his pocket and jingled the coins in his hand. “They failed.”
Lee slapped him on the back. “Those dice skills may come in handy. If we can't find employment as sell- swords or bodyguards, we're going to run out of coins soon, and I'm rubbish at games.”
Jacob smiled in spite of himself.
“Shut your stupid mouth, braggart!” a voice bellowed over the noise of the crowd.
Lee got to his feet. “Watch my back. And try not to spill any blood…unless you have to.”
Across the room the fat merchant was being confronted by two large men. Both wore swords, and were looming over the merchant. His guard was unsure what to do and stood a few feet behind, fingering his sword and shifting nervously.
Lee made his way across the room and positioned himself behind the men. Jacob was on his heels. One of the men had moved to the side and was eying the guard, who clearly had decided to do nothing.
“You say you fought off ten bandits?” growled the largest lout. He pressed his face into the merchant's. “Let's see how you handle me.”
The merchant, fueled by too much wine, didn't back down. “You sir, would be a waste of time and effort.” He glanced over his shoulder at his guard. “I'd rather just have my friend deal with you.”
The man roared with laughter. “I think your…friend, would rather not.” He looked at the guard. “I'll give you this one chance to leave.” The guard paused, then turned on his heels and left the tavern.
The merchant turned pale. “Well, ummm.” He looked around the room. The tavern patrons were clearly enjoying the spectacle.
“What do you have to say now?” said the man.
Lee stepped around, putting himself between the man and the merchant. “That's enough.” Jacob moved to Lee's left facing the other man. “Leave him be.”
The man sneered. “Who the hell are you?”
“I'm with-” he turned to the merchant.
“D-Darius,” the merchant stuttered.
“I'm with Darius,” Lee continued. He glanced sideways at Darius. “I think it's time to call it a night. Don't you?”
“Indeed,” Darius eagerly agreed.
“Jasper,” Lee said to Jacob. “Escort Darius outside.”
Jacob nodded sharply, and helped Darius to his feet. The merchant stumbled to the door and into the street, nearly falling on his face.
Lee backed away towards the door, his hand on the hilt of his sword. The two men followed. Once in the street, Lee called to Jacob. “Take him to our room. I'll be along shortly.” He smiled fiendishly, as the two men exited the tavern and drew their swords.
“You need-” said Jacob.
“I need you to take care of our new employer,” said Lee. “Isn't that right, Darius?” The merchant nodded his head vigorously. “These two brutes are mine.”
Jacob decided it best not to argue, and led Darius away.
“I hope the fat man was worth your life,” said the first man.
Lee widened his stance, but did not draw his blade. “I'll not dirty my steel with the likes of you.” He waved them in. “Come and get me.”
The first man charged in like a mad bull, swinging his sword in a wild arc. The second tried to skewer him through the gut. Lee stepped aside, easily dodging both blades, and brought his fist down across the first thug’s jaw. Blood and teeth went flying as the man spun and tumbled to the ground, unmoving. Stunned the second man paused, staring at his comrade.
“You should run,” said Lee.
This enraged the second thug. Reaching in his belt, he drew a small dagger and hurled it at Lee's throat. Lee moved aside and the blade disappeared into the darkness. The thug brought up his sword and charged. Lee almost laughed at the clumsy effort. He side stepped and brought the back of his fist across the man's temple. He stumbled and fell to one knee, his sword falling to the ground and sliding a few feet away. Lee kicked him to the ground and brought his boot down on the man's neck.
“If you or your friend trouble Darius again, you won't walk away,” said Lee.
The thug's eyes were wide with fear, and he was only able to nod his head.
Lee released him, and after taking a moment to view the crowd that had gathered from inside the tavern, made his way to the lodge. There he found Darius and Jacob sitting quietly at a table.
Lee took a seat next to Jacob. “They won't be troubling you anymore.”
“That coward of a guard abandoned me,” muttered Darius. “I'll see him skinned alive.” He reached in his belt and pulled out a flask. The sweet scent of brandy filled the air as he opened it.
“He's long gone,” said Lee. “But it seems you are in need of protection. My friend and I would be happy to oblige…for the right price.”
“Wha-?” He shook himself to his senses. “Yes, yes. Of course.” He swallowed a mouthful of brandy. “But you may not be so eager, once you hear where I'm going.”
“And where is that?” asked Lee.
“I go to Whiterun Pass,” said Darius. “Just on the other side of the Angraalborder. Not too many want to go there. Especially with all the soldiers gathering.” He handed Lee the flask.
Lee took a long swallow, and passed it to Jacob. “Then why are you going?”
“War is profitable,” said Darius flatly. “I have twenty wagons full of raw cotton, and the Reborn King pays triple what it's worth anywhere else.”
Hearing that name sent Lee's heart pounding. “I see. Well it sounds like just the kind of job Jasper and I are looking for.” He reached across the table and held out his hand. “I'm Barath, and this is my nephew, Jasper.”
Darius shook Lee's hand, then pulled two silver coins from his purse. He tossed Jacob and Lee each a coin then took another drink. “Then it’s good to have you with me. This is for what you did for me in the tavern. Normally, I pay eight coppers per week…” He studied Lee for a moment. “But I think you're worth nine.”
“I'd say we're worth twelve,” said Jacob.
Darius rubbed his chin. “Done.” He stood up. “Grab your gear. My camp is just a mile north; and a sight more comfortable than this place.”
Lee instructed the innkeeper to gather their horses, and he and Jacob retrieved their belongings. Lee offered his horse to Darius, but the merchant refused.
“I've had far too much to drink to stay on a horse,” said Darius. “It will do me good to walk it off.” He patted his round belly. “Besides, I may break the poor beast’s back.”
This brought a hearty laugh. Once the horses were packed, they slowly made their way to the main avenue north, through town. Lee looked for any sign that the two thugs were about, but to his relief, they apparently decided they had enough for one night. Lee didn't want to spill blood this early in their journey. Such things draw
